Edible
Not too much has changed here since we last spoke. My most recent hike took me to Pu Ta Leng (mountain Ta Leng).
It was the HARDEST thing I had EVER done.
I went with a young hiker whose sole job is being an adventure guide.
I went to an outdoor store and invested in moderately pricy clothing while my counterparts hiked the mountain in sandals (literally) and rainboots.
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As far as food, I had the pleasure of eating at a local Indian restaurant. I indulge in non-local foods from time to time and I was spoiled to say the least.
I had never eaten Indian food quite like this. It was a side of culinary exploring that I have been missing for a bit.
Arrangements
PAST
Alllright! Let’s jump into this.
Special Project(s) - I was hired on to write a guest track for a few games! Orange Island and another for Frog Factions! These have happened QUITE a while ago but I never got a chance to mention them.
GIGABUSTER
I finished recording parts a few weeks ago only to find out that all of my recordings had unsavory hissing sounds within them. Long story short, I’m re-recording ALL the cutscene themes AGAIN. Granted, there are only 7, but this has to be the 3rd time I’ve done this, sigh
BIG PROJECT - The main menu theme for phase 1 of this particular project is 99% complete. There is literally one section that is hanging on the balance. I have thus moved on to an ACCEPTED battle theme attempt.
SEASIDE CAFE - Has been finished! I plan to add the soundtrack to my bandcamp (steam.. maybe) for those who enjoy the music. Unfortunately, this will be the last game released by Studio Namaapa in the foreseeable future.
It saddens me greatly but I understand and support the reasons for the Studio’s disbanding.
PRESENT
GIGABUSTER - Recording the last few tracks. Where I work is extremely unsavory for recording during the day. What does that mean you ask? Well, that means I have to record at night. Starting at 10:30 or 11:00 pm to whenever I finish. sigh
New Special Project - I had the great opportunity to be approached to write for a game, thanks to the wonderful Josie Brechner. I’ve actually landed a few gigs due to her. I eagerly await the day when I can pay it forward the way she has so graciously paid it forward for me.
BIG P - Things never progress as I plan with this project, haha. The goal is to work on fleshing out the newly extended battle theme!
PERSONAL - Composing FUNdamentals is moving full steam ahead. I have recently (as of yesterday) begun a streaming endeavor - 1 to 1 Scoring. The goal - work on getting proficient at delivering 1 - 1.5 minutes of high quality, finished compositions in 1 hour.
I’d love to write for television one day, and I know having the ability to compose creatively and quickly is a must.
FUTURE
Gigabuster - Be completely finished with GIGABUSTER by the end of November
BIG P - Have the current battle theme finished by the end of November.
Personal A- Have a job or two lined up that will replace Seaside and GIGA.
Personal B - Work on crafting products to help with passive income.
RUMINATIONS
I’m a big fan of podcasts and I have started to thoroughly enjoy the podcasts of Steven Melin. I will be honest, I initially went into his talks with a scoffish mindset and a side of skepticism..
..I’m always wary of people who profess having the keys to anything..
…but he has constantly left me rethinking my business approach. He recently released a podcast episode that delved into making consistent income as a composer.
One thing he mentioned, that I agree wholeheartedly with, is the need for products.
Passive income.
He has written a book.
He has written music packs.
He is currently pushing a virtual instrument company.
He’s an affiliate for virtual instrument companies.
He teachs/crafts courses.
He streams.
All of these things (borderline 25 sources as stated by him in a clip) generate passive income and I’m not pushing hard to put myself in a position to make a similar foothold.
A part of it is imposter syndrome and another part is lacking the desire.
I don’t want to write a book.
I’m not interested in creating virtual instrument libraries
Do I need to go this route to be successful?
No.
Could it make walking along this path easier?
Heck yeah.
The idea of searching for composing jobs knowing that I have steady streams of income running in the background has me salivating,
but I’m not doing anything to put myself there.
I’m perpetuating an active -service only model for my business.
If I were to sit back and truly think about the products I would want to offer, they would be:
Sheet music (not for piano but for ALL instruments)
Music Packs (with a twist)
Streaming revenue service* (Spotify alternative)
Live streams and/or videos
Royalties (from television shows/films)
Royalties from live performances
CD/Album sales
I’m not including composing for it is not passive income since it requires active/attentive work on my part.
I have been thinking of taking another approach toted by Steven - pick an idea and stick with it for six months.
Composing FUNdamentals is totally do-able ~ I’m more than certain I can keep it up for six months.
1 to 1 Scoring as well.
The next step is trying to expand on other sources. I have been flipping back and forth but I think it’s going to be music packs.
I have an idea in mind that may be worth my while. We’ll see!
Also, I’ve been chewing and jotting down ideas for an alternative streaming platform for quite some time. It may behoove me to look further into it.
I feel so flippant saying that,
“Dur, I have an idea for an app that would pay musicians and could quite possibly rival Spotify.”
One can dream.